Home and Happenings August 2015

This special publication brought to you by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate

August 2015

2 H&H Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com

www.STLHandHMag.com

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WEBSITE & FEEDBACK

EDITOR IN CHIEFWade Brewer

DESIGNJosh West

FEATURES EDITORAndrew Brewer

Self published by Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate. All material herein is copyrighted and all rights are reserved.

It’s hard to believe, but it is almost Back to School time in our area. In this issue we offer some great ideas for simplifying back to school shopping and some must-have school essentials. This summer edition also offers some tasty recipes for back to school healthy snacks.

This time of year is always the perfect time to keep you vehicle in tip-top condition and our DIY Car Care ideas will help you to do just that. As in every issue, we have some delicious recipes for this time of year with some fantastic grill ideas as well as some refreshing spritzer recipes.

For the home, in our Connected Home Conveniences article we give some easy ways to automate your home for safety and convenience. Who doesn’t want their home to feel comfortable? In this issue, we have some great tips for adding comfort to each room of your home.

In the Happenings section we give you some great ideas for enjoying the end of summer in our area. Two of the highlighted events in the near future are The Festival of the Little Hills in Historic St. Charles and the St. Charles County Fair. Don’t forget to check out those two fun events as well as all of the others.

I hope that you enjoy this issue, and if you have a great idea for a story or have an event that you may want us to feature in an upcoming issue please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

A note from the editor...

Wade BrewerEditor-in-chief

H& Magazine | www.STLHandHMag.com 3

4Simplify Back to School Shopping

CONTENTS6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Must Have School Essentials

Better Bites for Back to School

Grilling With Heart

From Front Porch to Back Patio

DIY Car Care

Super Spritzers

Connected Home Conveniences

Happenings


While kids and parents alike eagerly await the fresh start of a new school year, the back-to-school season is not without its share of stressors for busy families. The start of school means new schedules, teachers, shoes,

backpacks and friends; as well as new academic challenges.

Adding some fun and excitement to the newness can help smooththe way. For example, allowing kids to help choose their outfits for the first day of school can help diffuse that nerv ous anticipation. Similarly, the chance to put a fresh set of pens to use or show off a cool new notebook can provide a distraction from those first-day jitters.

If the shopping itself is adding stress to your household, ease the back-to-school burden on your family with these helpful tips to simplify shopping for the school year ahead.

Make note of your inventory. School lists often carry over each school year, so make sure you aren’t buying multiples of things you already own. Some supplies are more exciting when refreshed every year, but buying the same old boring ruler year after year is simply a waste of money.

Make a list with your children. Put everything you need on that list, and be clear that once the list is done, it’s done. Having everyone on the same page with a complete list helps ensure nothing vital is forgotten, and the list can serve as a handy tool to keep your budget in check. Get uber organized using vibrant Sarasa gel pens by Zebra to create lists color-coded by kid or


category to make your shopping more manageable.

Begin shopping as early as possible. Hunt bar gains before the traditional back-to-school season to get the best deals. Not only will you save some cash, shopping before the rush will give you a wider selection to choose from, so you’re sure to find the items you need in the styles you (and your kids) want. Spreading the shopping over several weeks or months also allows you to distribute the expense across several pay periods, helping lessen the chance that you blow your monthly budget with one mega shopping excursion.

Be a savvy online shopper. Check out your favorite brands and retailers online, and sign up for their email alerts, so you’ll be in the know when the best deals hit. Many retailers now offer online-only specials, so watch ads closely to know when you’re better served making purchases in-store or online. Also keep an eye out for free or reduced shipping for extra savings that make it even cheaper than buying in person when you factor in the cost of gas. Remember that you can also rely on social media to follow back-to-school offers and hashtags.

Create a back-up bin at home. You may find that your kids consistently run out of certain items midyear. Devote a special area of your home to keep extras in stock, and take advantage of sales during back-to-school season or buy in bulk to get a better price.

Put quality ahead of price. While it’s tempt ing to go for cheap when your list is long, remem ber that sometimes quality buys actually save more in the long run. You can buy a ton of cheap pens that skip, or simply stop working. Or you can look at alternatives, such as Zebra’s Z-Grip brand, which are affordable, quality pens that allow children to focus on writing, not on the pen. Known for delivering a smooth-flowing writing experience at a great value, a Z-Grip pen truly delivers for young learners.

Make your children shopping buddies. Involve your kids in the back-to-school shopping process by giving them a budget. Help them allocate money for all the expenses, includ-ing clothing, school supplies, shoes and more. Use the opportunity to

talk about how shopping smart for the necessities can leave room for some fun buys, too.

Reduce and reuse. Save plastic and money by encouraging kids to embrace reusable items, such as lunch bags in place of paper sacks and plastic containers instead of sandwich bags. If water bottles are allowed at school, look for a durable refillable option that can be used again and again.

Make the old new again. Turn barely used items into something new by decorating or adding stickers. Not only is this a fun activity that can help get the kids excited about and engaged

in planning for the year ahead, it’s easy on the budget and eco-friendly. Keep leftover supplies on hand to revive the enthusiasm with fresh designs at the end of the quarter or semester.

Swap with other moms. Make back-to-school time more fun by hosting a swap event with other moms for clothing, backpacks, shoes, etc. It seems that kids are forever trading with their friends, so embrace that mindset and see what exciting new treasures you can find for your kids to call their own. Find your zen during back-to-school shopping at www.zebrapen.com/findzen.

Make It a Peaceful Shopping ExperienceThough back-to-school shopping can be fun, it can also be overwhelming. These tricks may help you add some Zen to the experience, or at least cut some of the chaos.Know yourself: Are you better at doing all of your shopping all at once, or would you rather make separate trips throughout a couple of weeks to ease the stress? There is no one “right” way to tackle back-to-school shopping; just go with what works best for you.Create a democratic shopping experience: Instead of taking it upon yourself to get the supplies you think your kids need, turn it into a fun experience for every-one to enjoy. Ask what your kids want and what colors they like. Encourage them to stimulate creativity with whimsical supplies, such as the fun and funky patterns of Cadoozles mechanical pencils. Want your high school or college bound academians to have a little extra swag for school? Look for a few simple purchases that reflect their confidence, such as Zebra Steel pens, with a sleek design perfect for the advancing student.


Favorite Flavors in a Classic Snack Want to pack a snack you can feel good about? Sabra’s smooth Classic Hummus has been blended with the fresh pizza inspired flavor kids love, including herbs and spices such as fresh basil and oregano. The single serving 2-ounce containers pair well with pita chips and vegetables, and are easy to slip in a lunch box for mini meals and snacks. Find them in the deli near other Sabra products, and visit Sabra.com to learn more.

Data in a FlashFor days when school work becomes homework, or for lengthy projects that go back and forth, a USB flash drive is an inexpensive way help keep all of your student’s work saved in one convenient location. Devices in the 8 to 16G range will be adequate for most school-related needs, and consider adding a lanyard or attaching to a keychain for easy access. Visit your local retailer to explore pricing and options.

H2O on the GoA durable reusable water bottle sized just for kids will make your back-to-school routine even easier. All Nalgene bottles are made in the USA with BPA- and BPS-free Tritan with hard-to-lose and easy-to-clean parts. Kids love the leak-free ease, fun colors and graphics. Parents love dishwasher-safe parts that carry a lifetime guarantee. Perfect for lunch boxes, backpacks, sports bags and more. The 12-ounce, On-the-Fly locking bale caps have an MSRP of $9.99. Visit www.nalgene.com for more.

Are you ready? A back-to-school checklist

Make sure your kids have what they need

to succeed this year. Here’s a checklist to

ensure you’ve covered all the back-to-school

bases before the studying starts:

If not already registered, get your

child enrolled.

Contact the school office to find out

what day and time classes start.

Ensure your child is up to date on all

immunizations.

Schedule eye and physical exams,

if needed. Make sure emergency contact

paperwork is up to date with the school

office. Obtain a list of school supplies from the

office or school website.

Look over the dress code policy.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Class is almost in session, and many busy parents have a few more items to check off their shopping lists. Help your kids get the grades this school year with a little helpful advice on top picks. From savory snacks to fuel their days to water bottles to keep them

hydrated, savvy parents know stocking up now is the best way to get their little learners ready for the academics ahead.



There’s plenty of research that shows eating well and school performance are closely linked. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or grabbing a snack on the go, keeping nutrition in mind will help

the whole family feel good about diving into an exciting new school year.

A Smooth Way to Add Fruits & VeggiesToday’s nutritional guidelines recommend that children consume at least five servings per day of fresh fruits and vegetables. Yet the reality is many parents struggle with getting their kids to eat healthier, especially during the school year. The good news is, with very little preparation you can serve healthy, grab-and-go meals that are not only nutrient-rich, they’re vegetarian friendly and delicious. With meals like this, your kids might actually want seconds. Try this quick, refreshing recipe for a breakfast or after school snack option. If you’re feeling inspired, create your own butter lettuce recipe — it might be worth a $1,000.

Learn how at www.lettucerecipecontest.com.


Butter Lettuce Papaya Smoothie 1/2 papaya, peeled (plus slices from remaining half for garnish) 1/2 teaspoonfinelychoppedfreshcilantro 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root 2 tablespoons honey 1 head Live Gourmet® Living Butter Lettuce (chopped, cleaned and root removed) 1 cup almond milk 1/4 cup water 1 lime, peeled Apple and/or pear slices for garnish (optional)Using a traditional, compact or hand blender, mix all ingredients for 30 seconds or until smooth. Garnish with slices of papaya and apple or pear, if desired.

Protein Power for On-the-Go ParentsHere’s a quick and healthy low-calorie snack that’ll make parents’ lives a little easier this back-to-school season. It’s rich and tasty with body-fueling protein, fiber and carbs to give you the energy you need, but won’t load you down with sugar. For more information, visit www.bowflexbody.com.

ChocolatePeanutButterTrufflesPrep time: 12 minutesTotal time: 50 minutesServings: 10-12 trufflesTruffles: 1/2 cup plain rolled oats 1/4cupgroundflaxseedmeal 1scoopBowflexBodyFrenchVanillashake powder 1packetBowflexBodyRichChocolateFatBurner+ shake boost 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup all-natural chunky peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 cup cold water

1 teaspoon cinnamon Dash of saltCoating: Unsweetened cocoa powder (about 1/4 cup)Combine all truffle ingredients in mixing bowl and stir well. Place bowl in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes so mixture can firm up. Remove bowl from refrigerator and form 10-12 small balls. Roll each ball in cocoa powder to lightly coat.Notes: For easier mixing of peanut butter, warm in microwave for 30 seconds before use. Truffles can be stored in refrigerator for 1 week or in freezer for 1 month.Nutrition information per serving (1 truffle): 105 calories; 3 g protein; 9 g carbohydrates; 4 g fiber.

A Sweet Way to Start the DayStart each school day on a sweet note with all-natural sweetener instead of syrup on your pancakes, waffles and other breakfast favorites. Maguey Sap, carefully crafted and brought to you by Villa de Patos, is an unrefined and unprocessed alternative sweetener with unique flavor and tons of versatility in baked goods, marinades, dairy products, beverages and more. Buy a bottle of Maguey Sap, check out additional recipes and learn more at www.villadepatos-us.com.

Maguey Sap Glazed BaconYield: 8 slicesPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 25 minutes 8 slices hickory smoked bacon 4 tablespoons Maguey Sap Heat oven to 400°F.On foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, arrange bacon in single layer (use baking rack for crispier bacon). Bake until fat is rendered and bacon is beginning to brown, about 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven and brush one side with Maguey Sap. Bake another 3-5 minutes, or until coated side of bacon is browned.Remove from oven and flip each piece using tongs. Brush second side with Maguey Sap. Bake another 3-5 minutes, or until browned.Drain away grease and allow bacon to rest 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite pancakes.


1Maki KC, Lawless AL, Kelley KM, Kaden VN, Dicklin MR. Benefits of corn oil compared to extra-virgin olive oil consumption on the plasma lipid profile in men and women with elevated cholesterol: results from a controlled feeding trial. J. Clin. Lipidol. January/February 2015 issue. Study sponsored in part by ACH Food Companies, Inc.2Based on analysis of corn oil and 2013 USDA comparison of other cooking oils: corn oil has plant sterols content of 135.6 mg/serving vs. 30.0 mg/serving for olive oil, 40.8 mg/serving for vegetable oil, and 93.9 mg/serving for canola oil.

As you prepare your favorite marinades this summer, remember that not all cooking oils are created equal. But have no fear, good-for-you grilling can be as easy as using a heart-healthy oil, such as Mazola® Corn Oil. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, corn oil can signifi cantly reduce both total and so-called “bad”

LDL cholesterol more than extra virgin olive oil1. In fact, Mazola Corn Oil has four times more cholesterol-blocking plant sterols than olive oil and 40 percent more than canola oil2. What’s more, because of its neutral taste, corn oil won’t interfere with the natural flavors of your favorite foods and ingredients. Additionally, its high smoke point makes it perfect for a variety of cooking styles, including stir-frying, sautéing, grilling and even baking. Find more information about the heart health benefits of corn oil and a variety of delicious grilling recipes at www.Mazola.com.

Southwest Style Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Creamy Chipotle VinaigretteYield: 8–10 servingsPrep time: 30 minutesCreamyChipotleVinaigrette: 1/3 cup Mazola Corn Oil 2 cloves garlic 2 teaspoons canned chipotle in adobo sauce 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 cup half and half 1/4 cup cilantroSalad: 8 cups bite-size mixed salad greens 2 cups sliced, grilled chicken


Heart-Healthy Tips Celebrity chef Ingrid Hoffmann shares the following heart-healthy tips for summer grilling inspiration. Balance with color. Adding color to your meals with fresh fruits and vegetables also adds balance; more color means more nutrition.Prepare from scratch. When you prepare meals from scratch, you control what goes into your body. Grill for your heart with Mazola Corn Oil; it not only lowers total and LDL “bad” cholesterol more than extra virgin olive oil, but its high smoke point, versatility and neutral flavor ensure the flavors of your favorite grilling recipes shine through.Spice it up. With a few spices and citrus, you can bump up the flavor of grilling dishes without adding fat.

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 red bell pepper, cut into 2-inch strips 1 cup frozen corn, thawed 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions 4 hard boiled eggs, quartered lengthwise 2 small avocados, sliced 1/4 cup red onion slivers 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican style cheeseCombine vinaigrette ingredients in blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Refrigerate dressing until ready to serve.Arrange lettuce on large serving platter or individual plates. Arrange each salad ingredient in horizontal or diagonal rows across top of lettuce. Garnish with cheese and serve with vinaigrette or toss salad with vinaigrette just prior to serving.Recipe note: Substitute grilled hanger steak slices or shrimp in place of chicken.

Grilled Salmon TeriyakiYield: 4 servingsPrep time: 25 minutesCook time: 10 minutes 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup pineapple juice 3 tablespoons Mazola Corn Oil 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon minced garlic11/2pounds(4pieces)freshsalmonfilletsCombine soy sauce, pineapple juice, oil, ginger and garlic in shallow dish. Reserve 1/2 cup for later use. Add salmon, turning to coat; cover and let stand 15 minutes.Remove salmon from marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Grill over medium heat, turning once, about 5 minutes on each side, until salmon flakes easily with fork.While salmon is cooking, transfer reserved 1/2 cup mari-nade to small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat; boil until reduced.Serve salmon fillets drizzled with reduced marinade.

Pineapple-Chicken Skewers with Passion Fruit Glaze Recipe courtesy of Ingrid HoffmannYield: 8 servingsPrep time: 20 minutesChill time: At least 4 hours 1/2 cup Mazola Corn Oil 4 (3-inch) sprigs rosemary 5 (3-inch) sprigs oregano 4 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 24 2-inch pieces 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, ribbed and cut into 24 1-inch pieces 1 medium red onion, cut into 24 1-inch pieces 2/3 peeled and cored pineapple, cut into 24 1-inch pieces 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated into cups (for serving)PassionFruitGlaze: 1/2 cup passion fruit nectar 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 1/2 tablespoons honey Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepperTo prepare chicken, combine corn oil, rose mary, oregano and garlic in large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate, for at least 4 hours or overnight, occasionally turning chicken.To prepare glaze, process passion fruit nectar, ketchup, lime juice, soy sauce and honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Blend until well combined. Pour into small bowl.Preheat grill to medium-high heat.Remove chicken from marinade, dis carding marinade. Alternately thread 3 pieces chicken, 3 pieces bell pepper, 3 pieces red onion and 3 pieces pineapple on each skewer. Repeat process with remain ing ingredients and skewers.Reserve half of the passion fruit glaze and set aside. Brush skewers evenly with the remaining glaze. Grill kabobs, covered with grill lid, for 10 to 12 minutes or until chicken is done. Occa sionally turn the skewers. Serve skewers on a bed of lettuce leaves. Brush with the reserved passion fruit glaze and serve remaining sauce on the side.


Not only is your home a reflectionofyourownunique style, it’s that

cozy nook you look forward to at the end of each day. Happy homeowners know it’s essential to keep up the comfort inside and out. From the sleek designs and functional convenience of kitchen appliances to smart tech tools that help you keep your grass greener and your water consumption in check, use these ideas to help you enjoy that beautiful space you call home.

Be Garden Smart this SummerConserve water and reduce your monthly bill with GreenIQ’s Smart Garden Hub, available online at The Home Depot. By controlling irrigation scheduling based on current and forecasted weather, it saves up to 50 per cent of outdoor water consumption. Priced at $249, it’s easy to install and control via Wi-Fi using the GreenIQ app. It also connects to smart devices, sensors and serv ices, such as Flower Power and Koubachi soil moisture sensors, Netatmo weather station and IFTTT. For more information, visit www.greeniq.co.


Achieve Patio PerfectionMake this your season for memorable outdoor parties with patio seating to accommodate all the good times. Enjoy a vintage look? Go with classic Adirondack styles, which come in a variety of colors. If contem porary styles suit you, many cube designs are now made in outdoor friendly wicker. Allow the comforts of lounging and casual dining with a sectional set, with versatile seating options. For more information on selecting the right furniture to complete your patio, visit http://nationalfurnitureassociation.com.

Break Out the BilliardsKick back, relax and call up your buddies for a fun night in. A pool table is a great excuse for frequent entertain ing with family and friends. Whether you place it in a den or a man cave, it’s a welcome addition to any home. From classic wood finishes to modern designs, you can find the table that suits your style. For more information, visit your local sporting goods retailer.

Open the Door to Perfect Food StorageMaytag brand continues to deliver unmatched durable and functional features with the introduction of its Four-Door French Door Refrigerator with Maytag Steel Shelves. Priced at $3,399, the refrigerator’s signature Maytag Steel Shelves are cold to the touch, while the PowerCold feature will quickly chill down to the optimal temperature with the touch of a button, diminishing concerns if the family has been grazing with the door wide open. For more information, visit www.maytag.com.

Simple Additions Renew Your HomeIt’s easy to up the comfort and convenience factor at home. Check out these easy tools and ideas to add enjoyment to indoor and outdoor areas.Indoors: Foosball table Smartphone controlled thermostat Self-operating vacuum cleanerOutdoors: Fire pit Hose reel box Outdoor heater


DIY CAR CAREEveryone Can Do

While taking your car to an auto service professional is a great way to ensure its performance, the Car Care Council reminds vehicle owners there are few simple vehicle checks that they can easily learn and do themselves to save a little money and help keep their vehicles running efficiently all summer long.

With basic knowledge of common maintenance practices and a little time, motorists can inspect the following components in their own driveway:

* Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

* Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer fluid and antifreeze/coolant.

* Check the hoses and belts as they can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.

* Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades. Keep the reservoir filled with windshield washer fluid.

* To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should be 50:50. Never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir. As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles.

* Check the gas cap to ensure it is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

* Don’t neglect the exterior. When washing the outside, make sure to include the tires and wheels and the underside and fenders to eliminate any road salt or grime. The body of the vehicle should be washed using a product sold specifically for cars. Wax your vehicle every six months.

To learn more about how to care for you vehicle, and for a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit www.carcare.org.


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From pool parties to baseball games to backyard barbecues, this time ofyear provides a number of occasions to enjoy time with family and friends. This summer, take your gatherings to the next level with a fun and festive drink menu that reflects the fresh flavors of the season.Today Americans are turning to wine more often than ever before, and the summer months are no exception. Barefoot Refresh, a refreshingly vibrant, light-bodied spritzer, is the perfect alternative for those quintessential summertime occasions.A perfect complement to seasonal dishes, Barefoot Refresh is ideal for wherever you cele brate “Spritzer Season” — the time of year when the sun is shining, memories are made and cold, refreshing drinks are in demand. Celebrate Spritzer Season with these tasty favorites and you’re sure to have guests coming back to the beverage cart.Available in five delicious blends that are perfect for sharing, these vibrant wines can be found at retailers nationwide. For more ways to enjoy summer’s casual moments, visit www.BarefootWine.com.

Perfectly Pink Punch 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges in light syrup 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed Juice from 1/2 lemon 1 ounce simple syrup 1 (750 milliliter) bottle Barefoot Refresh Perfectly Pink Club soda (optional)Place mandarin oranges and syrup into pitcher. Add raspberries, juice from lemon and simple syrup. Top with pink spritzer. Serve over ice. Top with club soda if preferred.

Pair UpIn need of a tasty appetizer to serve when the guests arrive? Check out this list of flavorful bites and the spritzer that complements each.Fruit Caprese Bring seasonal produce to the table by skewer ing mozzarella balls, watermelon, honeydew and other favorite summer melons. Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar, garnish with freshly cut basil and serve with a vibrant white wine spritzer, such as this recipe for Sangria Spritz.Savory MeatballsWhip up your favorite meatball recipe for a pre-dinner nosh that’s a classic crowd pleaser. The hearty flavors pair perfectly with this recipe for Refreshing Red Sangria.Shrimp CocktailKick off your summer event with a simple appetizer of chilled fresh-cooked shrimp dunked in tangy cocktail sauce. Bring out the flavors of this classic starter by serving with this recipe for Summer Lovin’, a light and refreshing drink.


Melon Mint-jito 6–7 whole mint sprigs (save 1 for garnish) Juice from 1/2 lime 4 (1-inch) chunks honeydew melon 2 (1-inch) slices Bosc pear (cut lengthwise) 1 ounce simple syrup 4 ounces Barefoot Refresh Crisp White 1 1/2–2 ounces club sodaPlace mint sprigs, lime juice, honeydew melon, pear and simple syrup in cocktail shaker. Muddle lightly. Add white wine and ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into tall glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with additional mint sprig.

Sangria Spritz 1 green apple, diced 1 red pear, diced 1 lemon, cut in small pieces 1 rosemary sprig 2 ounces brandy 3 ounces simple syrup 1 (750 milliliter) bottle Barefoot Refresh Crisp White SpritzerPlace fruit, rosemary sprig, brandy and simple syrup in pitcher. Cover and allow to marinate for 2 to 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, add chilled white spritzer to pitcher. Stir briefly. Serve over ice.

Summer Lovin’ 1 cup fresh seedless watermelon 6–8 large fresh strawberries, hulled 1 ounce simple syrup 4 ounces Barefoot Refresh Perfectly Pink Watermelon wedge for garnishPlace watermelon, strawberries and simple syrup in blender (no ice). Blend until smooth. Pour into tall glass over ice. Top with pink spritzer. Add watermelon wedge as garnish, if desired.

Refreshing Red Sangria 2 cups frozen raspberries 1 1/2 ounces simple syrup Juice from 2 oranges Juice from 1 lemon 4 ounces brandy 1 (750 milliliter) bottle Barefoot Refresh Summer RedPlace frozen fruit in large pitcher. Add simple syrup and fresh juice from oranges and lemon. Top with brandy and red wine. Stir. Cover pitcher and refrigerate. Allow mixture to marinate 4 hours or overnight. Add sliced fruit, if desired. Serve over ice.


For busy families juggling to keep up with the pace of life, technology brings convenience and peace of mind to home life, making things easier for all of us. At the touch of a button, new technologies meet the needs of busy families who benefit from thoughtful, technological shortcuts throughout the house.

In the home It is now possible to control

lighting throughout the interior and exterior of your home using your smartphone. With the proper bulbs, in-home Wi-Fi network and an app on your phone or tablet, you can control lights from anywhere and even schedule lights to turn

off and on at intervals to give the appearance that someone is home. You’ll never have to enter a dark house again when you use lights with geofencing technology, which recognizes when you pull in the driveway and turns lights on automatically.

Similarly, you can automate and control your home’s temperature from your smartphone or device. Although many thermostats allow you to drop temperatures while you’re away at work for the day, options such as the Nest Learning Thermostat and Honeywell Lyric take climate management to a whole new level, learning your schedule and adjusting temperatures automatically.

Motorized drapes not only add a stylish enhance ment to your windows, they help keep dawn at bay and your privacy intact through smartphone control. A variety of options allow you to customize settings based on needs, such as blocking daylight, obscuring valuables from outside view, managing the impact of UV rays

on your possessions or regulating solar heat.

In the garage Peace of mind that the garage door

is closed and the home is secure comes in the palm of your hand with the Chamberlain Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener and MyQ Garage


What is Apple HomeKit?It may seem like “The Jetsons” cartoon has come to life, but new gadgets are making it possible to operate a growing number of appli ances and home systems from a single device, even when you’re far from home. Expected for release in mid 2015, Apple HomeKit will make controlling smart devices simpler or more seamless using iPhone and Siri. Some of the first prod ucts to support HomeKit are Chamberlain MyQ garage door openers, Honeywell thermostats, the iDevices Switch and Schlage door locks.Imagine relaxing at the end of the day, saying, “Siri, I’m going to bed now, is my house secure?” HomeKit will confirm that your garage door is closed, doors are locked and the thermostat is in nighttime mode. And the Apple Watch will have a place in the home as well. You can expect to control many of these devices and other apps from the watch on your wrist, where you might receive notifications that you left the garage door open after leaving the house.Evolving technology means more sophisticated alternatives are yet to come. It’s clear that when it comes to home management technology, the future is only a click away.

smartphone app. The first garage door opener with Wi-Fi built in lets you open and close your garage from anywhere and receive alerts to your phone every time the door has opened, closed or been left open. And if you already have a working garage door opener, you can add this same smartphone connectivity to nearly any garage door with MyQ Garage. Learn more at www.chamberlain.com.

The daily grind can make it tough to manage maintenance, even for items as important as your vehicle. Fortunately, there are numerous apps, such as Gas Cubby, that let you take control of your car care by helping monitor and save on gas, and Automatic, which tracks driver behavior and auto performance, recommending maintenance and repair schedules to improve your vehicle’s overall health.

Dead battery? Dead cell phone? With JumpStarter, a new product from Chamberlain, you’ll never be left stranded. The device provides multiple outputs for charging not only your car, but everyday devices, such as cell phones, tablets, MP3 players, GPS, portable game consoles and cameras — and its small size fits in the glove box.

In the backyard With landscaping a chore for many,

and water conservation a growing concern, a robotic hose attachment may be the answer, delivering precise amounts of water to each plant.

For a large yard, or to use your existing irrigation system, a smart sprinkler system may be a better answer to keep your yard looking lush. Most models can be customized by valve or zone, and many use weather data or moisture sensors to ensure the right amount of water is delivered each time.

When dinner plans call for a steak on the grill, keep your meal deliciously on target with a smartphone app, such as iGrill or Grill It, which guides you to the perfect temperature based on variables such as the cut and thickness.

With such advancements right at your fingertips, it’s becoming easier than ever for families to manage household tasks and functions quickly and easily with new, secure technologies, making time for other more important activities.


HAPPENINGSSAINT LOUIS

August 2015

St. Louis Craft Beer WeekJuly 25-August 2Various Venueswww.stlbeerweek.comSt. Louis has an unparalleled history of beer in the United States and the St. Louis Craft Beer Week is a celebration of that history with breweries, distributors, restaurants, bars, retail outlets, and beer fans all work-ing together to promote and enjoy craft beer. Each night of the event will provide an opportunity to talk to brewers, pair food and beer, advocate local beer, and meet other beer enthusiasts.

St. Charles County FairJuly 28-August 1Rotary Park-Wentzvillestcharlescofair.org

Five day fair with FREE Carnival Rides (with paid gate admission), Contests, Tractor Pulls, Entertainment, Ex-hibits, Livestock Shows, and Yummy Fair Food!!

Festival of the Little HillsAugust 21-23Frontier Parkfestivalofthelittlehills.com

The largest festival of the year-activities include over 300 craft booths, with some demonstrations by crafts people and artisans. Also includes numerous food & beverages booths along with live music and other en-tertainment and Kids Corner.

World’s Fare Heritage FestivalAugust 22-23Shakespeare Glen in Forest Parkwww.stlworldsfare.com

A two-day festival packed with an exciting mash up of elements from the original 1904 World’s fair and last year’s inaugural event. Forest Park will be the center-piece of the celebration featuring events and compe-titions embracing the history of the 1904 World’s Fair, highlighting the culture of St. Louis today, and looking to the future as a stronger more unified community. 2015 features include kid’s island family activities and

The Wedding ShowAugust 2America’s Centerstlbrideandgroom.comThe Largest Wedding Planning Event in the Midwest! The Wedding Show takes the stress out of your wed-ding planning. In just one afternoon you will see more wedding businesses than you could visit in a month on your own. We bring you a face-to-face sampling of

virtually everything you’ll need to make your wedding day perfect with over 200 wedding exhibits! See some of the hottest designer bridal fashions, on a New York-style professional runway show and receive special vendor discounts.


Hermann Wine and Jazz FestivalAugust 22Hermann, MOvisithermann.com

Hermann teams up with St. Louis radio station Hip 96.3 HD-3 to bring a great line-up of FREE jazz per-formances to the Hermann Amphitheater. Music 1-9 pm. Hermann Wine Trail wineries will be selling wine by the glass and bottle. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show!

Kids Block Party & Touch-a-TruckAugust 29Saint Charles Convention Centerwww.stcharlesconventioncenter.com

The Kids Block Party and Touch-A-Truck family day out event’s goal is encouraging healthy, active and safe lifestyles among children, ages 3-11. The event features inflatables, a variety of trucks and other ve-hicles to explore and interact with, hands-on activities for children from various vendors (which in the past have included St. Charles Parks and Rec, The Girl/Boy Scouts, River City Robots, and The Science Center), as well as informational booths for parents from vendors such as St. Charles Police, pre-schools and daycares, chiropractors, etc.

Race for the RiversAugust 29Frontier Parkwww.racefortherivers.org

Greenway Network is hosting two canoe and kayak races on the scenic Missouri River, a staged-event cov-ering 65 miles from Washington Missouri to the Con-fluence and an Adventure Race from Weldon Spring to Frontier Park in St. Charles. The organization is also hosting the Race For the Rivers Festival at Frontier Park which will feature adventure and outdoor sports vendors and environmental educational displays and activities. Between the live bands, the hands-on art,

52nd Annual Moonlight RambleAugust 29Downtown St. Louiswww.moonlightramble.com

The world’s original nighttime bike ride rambles through the streets of downtown St. Louis. The event starts at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, August 30 from just south of Busch Stadium at the corner of 8th & Cerre Street. The event includes a leisurely 10.5 or 18.5 mile bike ride under the light of the moon, a vendor area, entertainment, a glow-in-the-dark commemorative event t-shirt, and a family-friendly after-ride party with snacks and drinks. The event takes place rain or shine and helmets are required. Registration is required for participation.

Festival of NationsAugust 29-30Tower Grove Parkfestivalofnations.org

Celebrate the diversity of St. Louis with traditional dance, music, arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations and plenty of food. Sponsored by the international institute, which aids immigrants and refugees from 75 countries who now call St. Louis home, the festival draws more than 100,000 people every summer.

Pet-a-PaloozaAugust 23Purina Farmspurinafarms.com

Shop, play, and be entertained at Pet-a-Palooza on Sunday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pu-rina Event Center at Purina Farms. This family and pet-friendly event will have plenty of pawcentials and pawcesseries. More than 20 local adoption agencies will be on-site with four-legged friends looking for furever homes. Don’t miss out on the Kids Corner, Pet Agility Courses, Incredible Dog Show performance, food trucks, and so much more!

entertainment, favorite St. Louis eateries, live musical performances, historical exhibitions, beer garden & backyard games, live art displays, and a World Busi-ness Expo supporting local businesses.

environmental activities, and educational displays the festival will be a great place to hang out and wait for the racers to cross the flying finish line at the park.

Susan Brewer314.540.0734

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Diane Huesgen636.936.8600

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Wade Brewer636.936.8600

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Lori Pisani636.578.7781

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Stacy Iffrig636.734.1364

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Ashley Bahr636.373.0194

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Tammie Meyer636.578.4399

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Wynne Hindt636.577.7991

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Lisa Samuels636.484.0633

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Stacy Sutterer314-308-6991

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Heather Harris636.284.1337

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Andi Stopke636.284.1019

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Wendy Halamicek636.634.1152

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Mike Lampe636.751.4442

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Julie Alsup314.378.5146

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Tom Budde636.734.4414

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Steve Savory314.604.3999

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Brittany Hale636.399.6419

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Russ Schmidt636.634.6558

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Fred Figura314.277.1925

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Home and Happenings August 2015